President Erdogan calls for 'fair and lasting peace' in Russia-Ukraine war

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his call for a “fair and lasting peace” in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing that any resolution must ensure equal and just representation of both sides.

His remarks came in a video message sent to the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders’ Summit, where he reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for Ukraine‘s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Erdogan calls for 'fair and lasting peace' in Russia-Ukraine war — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) shake hands as they hold a joint press conference following their bilateral and inter-delegation meetings at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on Feb. 18, 2025. (AA Photo)

Türkiye reaffirms support for Ukraine

Addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Crimean Tatars, and summit participants, Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“As we mark the third anniversary of the war, I want to reaffirm that Türkiye stands with the friendly people of Ukraine,” he stated.

Offering condolences for those who lost their lives defending Ukraine, he added, “Since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Türkiye has supported Ukraine’s legitimate cause in line with international law.”

Erdogan recalled that Türkiye opposed the war from the beginning and remained committed to diplomatic efforts for a negotiated settlement.

“We declared our stance against war three years ago, and today, we are determined to make every effort to end the conflict through negotiations while maintaining our strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence,” he said.

Push for diplomacy, negotiations

With the war entering its fourth year, Erdogan noted that diplomatic initiatives focused on dialogue and negotiations have gained momentum.

“We hope that this process will mark the beginning of ending the conflict and establishing lasting peace. From the very beginning, we have maintained that the path to a fair and lasting peace can only be achieved through a framework where both parties are equally and justly represented,” he stated.

Erdogan also highlighted his recent discussions with President Zelenskyy during the Ukrainian leader’s visit to Ankara, where Türkiye’s role as a mediator and potential host for future negotiations was discussed.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — (L to R) US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace on February 18, 2025. (AFP Photo)

A call for 2025 to be the ‘year of peace’

The Turkish president underlined the need for the international community to prioritize peace over war in the coming year.

“I sincerely express my hope that next year we will commemorate the anniversary of peace, not war. We all bear a great responsibility to ensure this,” Erdogan said, stressing that Türkiye would continue its efforts to facilitate a diplomatic resolution.

Closing his remarks, Erdogan wished for 2025 to be a year of peace-building and extended his best wishes for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, praying for “peace, tranquility, and well-being for all humanity.”